The weather around the country has delivered unexpected results this spring so far, from freezing cold temperatures to incredibly hot days. However, we know that the warmer months are approaching. It's easy to overlook essential home maintenance tasks that are crucial for protecting your property and ensuring adequate insurance coverage - whether you're dealing with leaks, wear and tear, or preparing your roof for all-weather circumstances, staying proactive and vigilant is key.
READ: Insurance| How to avoid the pitfalls of underinsuring the contents of your home
Karen Rimmer, Head of Distribution at PSG Insure shares some expert tips to help you maintain a secure and well-insured home all year round:
Maintain outdoor spaces
With gardens being impacted by drought in some regions, it's crucial to maintain your sprinkler system to avoid costly damage. Regularly check for leaks or malfunctions, and to ensure that your outdoor furniture and structures are properly maintained.
Encourage water awareness by informing your neighbour about any issues with their taps or water tanks near your property. Maintaining good relations with neighbours and staying proactive in property upkeep can help prevent potential insurance complications during third-party claims.
Additionally, keep an eye out for fire hazards such as dead shrubs or trees that need to be trimmed back, especially during warmer weather. The summer months, which are just around the corner, can be a time when strong winds arise in some parts of the country, so it’s important to get ahead of any potential hazards.
Support your roof for year-round protection
While the roof often goes unnoticed during general home maintenance, it plays a critical role in shielding your home from the elements. Prioritise having a specialist assess the age and condition of your roof to identify any areas of concern. Regular inspections can help detect signs of deterioration early and prevent costly damage. Keep your gutters clear to avoid blockages and ensure that all components are securely fastened to prevent damage during spring or summer storms. Checking for cracked tiles, loose sheeting and deteriorating timber can help maintain the structural integrity of your roof and prevent leaks.
Take a closer look inside
Water leaks in your home can lead to significant damage if left unchecked, making it essential to address these promptly. By scheduling a thorough inspection with a trusted plumber, you can identify and resolve any hidden leaks in your bathroom or kitchen. Look out for warning signs such as mould, condensation, or damaged flooring, and seek professional assistance if needed. Regular maintenance tasks like repairing tiles, clearing drains and resealing areas can help prevent leaks and ensure your home stays protected.
It's also significantly easier to repair these kinds of issues when it’s warmer, so that repairs will dry faster. This also means you won’t get caught out next year when the cold weather returns.
Update your insurance policy for peace of mind
Your insurance policy should accurately reflect the replacement value of your property as well as any special indoor features, including pricey tiling. This is essential for comprehensive cover.
As the end of the year draws closer, remember to note recurring maintenance tasks on your calendar to ensure they are not overlooked. For example, include your geyser and garden taps on your checklist. Regular upkeep not only protects your property but also saves you time, stress and money in the long run.
READ: Bond insurance: The one insurance policy you should never cancel
In a article published on 3 Sep 2020, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett, explains the importance of knowing exactly what your insurance covers.
If you’ve done some renovations or improvements, here’s what you should check when it comes to your home insurance policy. To start with, it’s important that homeowners understand the two different types of home insurance:
Buildings insurance.
As the name suggests, this covers the structure of your home and its outbuildings, and their permanent fittings, against fire, damage and theft. If you own a house, make 100% sure you have buildings insurance. Regardless of whether you have a bond or not.
Home contents insurance.
This covers your stuff. If you could turn your house upside down and shake it, what falls out is home contents – clothes, furniture, TV, wine glasses, the lot. A lot of people don’t have home contents insurance.
Do a post-reno buildings insurance review
If you’ve got a bond, it’s compulsory to have buildings insurance. This is usually taken care of by your bank, and the premium is ‘hidden’ in your monthly bond repayment. But you’re not obliged to accept your bank’s quote, and it’s possible you’ll get a cheaper premium from the insurer that covers the rest of your valuables. So do shop around!
Insure for replacement value, not market value
A building’s insured value isn’t its market value. Buildings insurance should cover what it would cost to rebuild your property from the foundations up, including your boundary walls, solar panels, swimming pool, taps and tiles. It should even include what you would need to pay in a worst case scenario, like demolition charges and waste removal, and the professional and municipal fees that are part of the building process.
Review your home contents coverage
If you’ve built onto your home, and filled the new extension with brand-new furniture and appliances, this is a great time to update your home contents insurance as well. As with buildings insurance, the key is to make sure you cover your home contents for their current replacement value – don’t guess. And remember, insurers can only protect what they know about. It helps to keep the original receipts for items like big screen TVs, so that you can prove their value if you need to claim. To help you assess your home contents correctly, here’s a handy home contents inventory.
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